Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Canada, threatening to derail a potential trade deal if the country proceeds with recognising Palestine as an independent state.
In a fiery statement, Trump accused Canada of undermining Israel's sovereignty and suggested that such a move would have severe economic consequences. "If Canada recognises Palestine, they can forget about any favourable trade terms with the US," he declared.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
The remarks come amid growing international debate over Palestinian statehood, with several nations reconsidering their stance on the issue. Trump's intervention adds fuel to an already volatile situation, raising questions about the future of US-Canada trade relations.
Canadian officials have yet to respond publicly to Trump's threats, but insiders suggest the government is carefully weighing its options. A senior diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "This is a delicate balancing act between moral foreign policy and economic pragmatism."
Potential Economic Fallout
Analysts warn that Trump's threats could significantly impact the Canadian economy, particularly in sectors reliant on cross-border trade. The automotive and agricultural industries are seen as particularly vulnerable to any disruption in US-Canada trade agreements.
"The US remains Canada's largest trading partner," noted economic expert Dr. Sarah Wilkinson. "Any deterioration in relations could have ripple effects across multiple sectors of the economy."
Meanwhile, Palestinian advocacy groups have welcomed Canada's potential shift in policy, calling it "long overdue". However, Israeli officials have echoed Trump's concerns, warning of "serious consequences" for countries that recognise Palestinian statehood.
